Jane Goodall wears jewelry from her second Brilliant Earth collaboration.

Dr. Jane Goodall Reunites With Brilliant Earth for Jewelry Collection

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“The idea is to spread the word, to get more people interested in producing this kind of jewelry and to get more people determined by ethically sourced jewelry,” said Dr. Jane Goodall in conversation with WWD. The United Nations’ Messenger of Peace reunited with Brilliant Earth, maker of conflict-free diamonds and recycled metals, for a second limited-edition collection and collaboration, available on Brilliant Earth’s official website on Tuesday.

The poignant meaning behind the collection is symbolized through the olive branch motif. The collection spotlights both Goodall and Brilliant Earth’s commitment to environmental conservation and continued dedication to global equilibrium — coexisting with the natural world.

“Our mission from the beginning is to try and transform the jewelry industry and to impact responsibility, supply chains, have more transparency for consumers so that there’s a ripple effect with others in the industry that realize, this is something consumers care about,” Beth Gerstein, Brilliant Earth cofounder, told WWD. “I think for all of us, it’s about how can we make a difference and an impact on others to then continue that same good work that we’re doing.”

For Goodall, the relevance of the collection’s olive branch motif feels most resonant for the current global moment. “Right now, there are wars around the world, there’s tremendous suffering. People are being made homeless, maimed and killed. The olive [branch] is the symbol of peace.”

The resilient nature of the olive branch adds even more significance to the collection, spotlighting the woman who inspired the pieces. “Whether it’s [the olive tree] surviving drought or fire, I think there’s a message here about resiliency. I can’t think of no one else other than Jane who represents renewal, perseverance, dedication in the same way that the olive branch represents that,” Gerstein said.

Indeed, Goodall’s dedication to the environment and conservation extends decades. From 65 years since she first began studying chimpanzees in Tanzania, Goodall’s work continues through the initiatives of the Jane Goodall Institute and the organization’s more than 20 dedicated branches. Through her institute, Goodall encourages community-led conservation programs. Beginning in 1994, the initiative, “works by asking the local people what they feel can better their lives,” Goodall said.

“The destruction of the planet is due to two things: one is overconsumption, people having far more than they actually need. And the other is poverty where people are living and struggling to survive, particularly in rural areas.”

Another vital initiative of the Jane Goodall Institute focuses on the next generation, Roots & Shoots. “It’s for young people of all ages from kindergarten through university. They all choose three projects: one to help people, one to help other animals, one to help the environment.” Ten percent of all proceeds from the latest collaboration between Brilliant Earth and Goodall directly support The Jane Goodall Legacy Fund, advancing conservation initiatives, environmental education and youth empowerment through the globally influential Roots & Shoots program.

The deft design and meaning behind Brilliant Earth’s second collaboration with Goodall extends beyond the jewelry brand’s ethical mission and the venerated primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist’s respective vocations: it’s a call to a action and paramount reminder of the continued work toward a sustainable future.

Among the pieces in the collection, a medallion created for Goodall with a dove at the center, with shimmering diamonds and an olive branch “totally encapsulates exactly what we’re trying to accomplish with this collection,” said Gerstein, adding the call to action: “to have these symbols and meaning that everyone can remember why we’re on this planet: to make a difference.”